Clobetasol Propionate

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clobetasol propionate cream USP is super-high potency corticosteroid formulation indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Treatment beyond 2 consecutive weeks is not recommended, and the total dosage should not exceed 50 g/week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Use in pediatric patients under 12 years of age is not recommended. As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer of clobetasol propionate cream to the affected skin areas twice daily and rub in gently and completely (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE ). Clobetasol propionate cream is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid; therefore, treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks and amounts greater than 50 g/week should not be used. As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Clobetasol propionate cream should not be used with occlusive dressings.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Clobetasol propionate cream is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparations.

ADVERSE REACTIONS In controlled clinical trials, the most frequent adverse reactions reported for clobetasol propionate cream were burning and stinging sensation in 1% of treated patients. Less frequent adverse reactions were itching, skin atrophy, and cracking and fissuring of the skin. Cushing's syndrome has been reported in infants and adults as a result of prolonged use of topical clobetasol propionate formulation. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in an approximately decreasing order of occurrence: dryness, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, irritation, striae, and miliaria.